CS Joho urges Kenyans to take active roles in environmental conservation

Mining Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hassan Joho on Thursday led the annual Mazingira Day commemoration at the Base Titanium mining company in Kwale County, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability in the mining sector.

The event held at the company’s site, saw CS Joho joined by key figures including Mining Principal Secretary (PS) Elijah Mwangi, Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo, and legislators from both Kwale and Mombasa counties.

The gathering aimed to celebrate efforts in environmental preservation while familiarizing with the mining company’s environmental practices.

The highlight of the day was the planting of 45,000 trees, including indigenous species, in a move to counter the potential extinction of native tree species.

The initiative forms part of the company’s commitment to offsetting its carbon footprint and promoting biodiversity in the area.

“We are witnessing a momentous effort in environmental conservation today, as we plant these 45,000 trees, which are vital to the preservation of our ecosystem,” said CS Joho during his address.

Adding that “it is critical that we work together to protect our environment, not just for today, but for future generations”.

Mr Joho also called on all Kenyans to take active roles in environmental conservation, urging them to participate in clean-up activities and reduce waste.

“Environmental conservation is not just the responsibility of mining companies or the government. Every Kenyan has a part to play. We must all ensure we are contributing positively to our environment,” he added.

In addition to tree planting, the CS lauded Base Titanium for its ongoing efforts in rehabilitating land that had already been mined. The company has invested in large-scale land restoration initiatives to ensure that areas previously mined are not left barren.

“Base Titanium has shown great leadership in this sector by ensuring that after extraction, the land is returned to its original state, or better. This is the kind of responsible mining that we encourage across the country,” said Mr Joho.

DG Kombo echoed the CS's sentiments, highlighting how the community benefits from such initiatives.

“The trees we plant today will not only help in reducing carbon emissions but will also improve the quality of life for our people. We rely on a healthy environment for our agriculture, our health, and our livelihoods,” Mr Kombo noted.

Base Titanium, a key player in the mining industry, has been operating in Kwale for over a decade, extracting titanium ore.

The company has faced scrutiny over its environmental practices, but it has consistently worked to improve its sustainability efforts, from tree planting to land rehabilitation.